[{"innerBlocks":[],"name":"core\/freeform","postId":2587,"blockType":{"name":"core\/freeform","keywords":[],"attributes":{"content":{"type":"string","source":"raw"},"lock":{"type":"object"}},"providesContext":[],"usesContext":[],"selectors":[],"supports":{"className":false,"customClassName":false,"reusable":false},"styles":[],"variations":[],"apiVersion":3,"title":"Classic","description":"Use the classic WordPress editor.","category":"text"},"originalContent":"An algorithm for computing radiation therapy treatments developed by researchers at North Carolina State University could substantially reduce patient side effects while delivering the same results as conventional radiation therapy.

That\u2019s the finding of a new proof-of-concept study<\/a>, funded by the National Science Foundation, published recently in Physics in Medicine and Biology,<\/i> involving model slices of five different liver tumors.

For decades, cancer patients who receive radiation therapy to destroy their tumors have been given a total dose split into multiple equal treatments. However, using a \u201cspatiotemporal fractionation\u201d approach, researchers contend that treatments delivered in different dose distributions in different fractions can be just as effective, while minimizing side effects.

\u201cConventional radiation treatments don\u2019t necessarily achieve maximum benefit,\u201d says D\u00e1vid Papp, assistant professor of mathematics at NC State University. \u201cOur protocol, by delivering a high single-fraction dose to parts of the tumor during each fraction and a consistent lower dose to the liver and other healthy tissue, could reduce patient side effects substantially while maintaining the same effectiveness as conventional treatments.\u201d

Also See<\/b>: Penn treats patient with next-generation radiation technology<\/a>

Reducing the radiation dose to healthy tissue while maintaining efficacy against the tumor is critical, according to Papp, whose model reduced the liver dose by 13 to 35 percent without compromising other clinical goals.

\u201cWe wanted to see what the quantitative benefits of such a new protocol would be,\u201d adds Papp. \u201cHow much can you reduce the radiation\u2019s effect on the liver while making sure that the tumor receives a consistent and effective dose? A reduction of 20 percent would reduce side effects enough to warrant a change in everyday clinical practice.\u201d

He and his colleagues are continuing to refine the algorithm, with the hope of ultimately conducting in vivo testing.

\u201cIf it works for a particular tumor type, then maybe we can expand from there and see where else it could work,\u201d Papp concludes.","saveContent":"An algorithm for computing radiation therapy treatments developed by researchers at North Carolina State University could substantially reduce patient side effects while delivering the same results as conventional radiation therapy.

That\u2019s the finding of a new proof-of-concept study<\/a>, funded by the National Science Foundation, published recently in Physics in Medicine and Biology,<\/i> involving model slices of five different liver tumors.

For decades, cancer patients who receive radiation therapy to destroy their tumors have been given a total dose split into multiple equal treatments. However, using a \u201cspatiotemporal fractionation\u201d approach, researchers contend that treatments delivered in different dose distributions in different fractions can be just as effective, while minimizing side effects.

\u201cConventional radiation treatments don\u2019t necessarily achieve maximum benefit,\u201d says D\u00e1vid Papp, assistant professor of mathematics at NC State University. \u201cOur protocol, by delivering a high single-fraction dose to parts of the tumor during each fraction and a consistent lower dose to the liver and other healthy tissue, could reduce patient side effects substantially while maintaining the same effectiveness as conventional treatments.\u201d

Also See<\/b>: Penn treats patient with next-generation radiation technology<\/a>

Reducing the radiation dose to healthy tissue while maintaining efficacy against the tumor is critical, according to Papp, whose model reduced the liver dose by 13 to 35 percent without compromising other clinical goals.

\u201cWe wanted to see what the quantitative benefits of such a new protocol would be,\u201d adds Papp. \u201cHow much can you reduce the radiation\u2019s effect on the liver while making sure that the tumor receives a consistent and effective dose? A reduction of 20 percent would reduce side effects enough to warrant a change in everyday clinical practice.\u201d

He and his colleagues are continuing to refine the algorithm, with the hope of ultimately conducting in vivo testing.

\u201cIf it works for a particular tumor type, then maybe we can expand from there and see where else it could work,\u201d Papp concludes.","order":0,"get_parent":{},"attributes":[],"attributesType":{"content":{"type":"string","source":"raw"},"lock":{"type":"object"}},"dynamicContent":""}]

Algorithm seeks to reduce radiation therapy side effects, maintain efficacy

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